Kabuki, a 400-year old Japanese form of theater, is known for its fantastically colorful stage, dramatic stories, and utterly beautiful men and women played by an all male cast. Still popular in modern day Japan, kabuki performers are specially trained from a young age to faithfully copy their predecessors’ forms and styles until they have the skills to develop their own styles. Join us for a dynamic lecture and demonstration with veteran onnagata (actor specializing in female roles), Kyozo ​Nakamura. Mr. Nakamura​ will introduce the basics of male and female acting in kabuki and talk about his own path to become an accomplished actor. The audience will also begin their kabuki performance training, copying Nakamura's movements in an interactive call and response.

This program is presented in conjunction with Copies and Invention in East Asia, an exhibition which highlights the creative possibilities of copying as an artistic practice. Following the performance, the gallery will be open to enjoy.

This program is co-presented by the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Center for Japanese Studies, with support from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.

 


Lead support is provided by the University of Michigan Office of the Provost, Michigan Medicine, Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, Center for Japanese Studies, Nam Center for Korean Studies, School of Information, and College of Engineering. Additional generous support is provided by the University of Michigan Fabrication Studio at the Duderstadt Center, Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, and SeeMeCNC 3D Printers.